Remains found at a remote outback spot in Australia are not those of missing Sussex graduate Peter Falconio, police have confirmed.

Tests showed that the remains, found near Marla, South Australia, were not human.

A spokesman for South Australia Police said today: "It's from a large animal - it could have been a horse or a cow, we're not sure."

The find had sparked speculation that the search for Mr Falconio could be over.

His family had hoped the remains would prove to be his so that they could hold a funeral.

Mr Falconio was last seen on July 14, 2001, while on a backpacking trip with his girlfriend Joanne Lees.

The 28-year-old University of Brighton graduate is believed to have been shot after being tricked into stopping the camper van in which he and Miss Lees were driving north to Darwin.

Miss Lees was tied up and thrown into the back of the man's van but managed to escape and report the attack to police, sparking one of the biggest manhunts in Australian history.

She has since returned to Sussex and her job at the Thomas Cook travel agency in Hove.

Bradley John Murdoch, 44, has been charged with murdering Mr Falconio.

The remains at Marla were 750 miles from where Mr Falconio was last seen.

A South Australia Police spokesman said: "It was a false alarm and everyone is going home now."